Definition
Rhabdomyolysis is a breakdown of muscle tissue. This causes a protein called myoglobin to be released into the bloodstream. These proteins can cause severe damage to the kidneys.
Causes
The muscle damage may be caused by:
- Excessive muscle activity
- Certain muscle diseases
- Severe muscle injuries such as a crush injury
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Uncontrolled seizure disorder
- Body is too cold—hypothermia
- Body is too hot—heat stroke
- Electrical burns
- Poison from a snake or spider bite
- Prior surgery with large, muscle incisions—rare
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Extreme activity, such as running a marathon
- Heat stroke
- Use of some prescription drugs
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Severe seizures
Symptoms
Common problems are:
- Urine that is brown or red in color
- Muscle pain, weakness, or swelling
- Back pain
- Nausea or vomiting
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Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This may be enough to suspect the diagnosis.
The diagnosis can be confirmed with:
- Blood tests to look for signs of muscle damage
- Urine tests to look for myoglobin
Treatment
The underlying cause will need to be treated. Choices are:
- IV fluids to flush the protein out of the kidneys
- Bicarbonate medicine to minimize the effect of the protein
- Dialysis to filter blood when the kidneys are not working well
RESOURCES
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians https://familydoctor.org
National Kidney Foundation https://www.kidney.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
The Kidney Foundation of Canada https://www.kidney.ca
References
Rhabdomyolysis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/rhabdomyolysis. Accessed November 30, 2020.
Torres PA, Helmstetter JA, Kaye AM, Kaye AD. Rhabdomyolysis: Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Ochsner J. 2015;15(1):58-69.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
- Review Date: 09/2020
- Update Date: 04/23/2021